Readers asked to help find wedding ring

New Year’s Eve went off with a bang in the wrong way for Stephen Green.

As he watched the fireworks with his wife Janet and children Nathan, Rose and Florence, he lost the wedding ring that has been on his finger for almost 25 years.

They had driven to Newcastle to watch the New Year’s Eve Parade and fireworks at the Civic Centre. But he realised his wedding ring had gone after the excitement was over.

“Stephen, from Gosforth, Newcastle, said: “It happened between 5.30pm and 6.30pm around the Civic Centre or Northumberland Street. We went back to scour the area to no avail. I know it’s a long-shot but I am just hoping a Chronicle reader has picked it up and can return it to me.” The ring is a gold band with a white gold surround. Stephen, who married Janet at St Mary’s Church in Ponteland, added: “It is of sentimental value. I feel lost without it.” Anyone who finds it can call Stephen on 079705 1241

Need for combined North East authority

The Government must give the green light to a new regional power base in 2014 or see the North East drowned out between Scotland and London, ministers are being told.

The man lined up to lead a group of combined North East councils has warned of an increasingly difficult future for the region if it does not get the go-ahead.

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig says a new law merging some of the powers carried out by councils up to Northumberland would give the region the best possible chance of returning to growth.

He said: “The danger is we are stuck between two areas that in different ways are self confident and taking up more and more resources. The recovery is in the South East at the moment, and whatever happens in Scotland, it will be more powerful.”

Give cities the cash, report urges

Cities across England that successfully introduce measures to help increase local employment should be entitled to claim “cashback” from the Treasury, according to a new report from a Northern think tank.

The report by IPPR North says the region needs a “Boris of the North” to lobby for investment plans and make the case for further powers and controls. It urges the leaders of Manchester, Liverpool, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire to join with the North East to speak with a single voice so that they are better heard in the corridors of Whitehall and Westminster.

The report adds that the North is losing out on public spending on economic development which is skewed towards London and other parts of the South East.

Help needed for new troop base

The Government has been urged to offer financial support for the resettlement of troops to Northumberland.

Leaders at Northumberland County Council say they have been told they will receive no funding to help them cater for hundreds of forces personnel and their families who are being moved to Albemarle Barracks, west of Newcastle. The authority is writing to the Government to make the case for additional funds, claiming the cost of infrastructure improvements to help the influx to integrate into the county will amount to £3m a year.

Ministers announced in March last year that as part of the planned withdrawal of UK troops from German bases by 2020, the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, currently based at Hohne in Germany, will be moved to Albermarle in 2015.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The MoD is planning for a substantial military presence to remain at Albemarle and is working with Northumberland Council to manage any impact on local amenities.”

Manor house restoration plans

A manor house on the at-risk register could be restored.

New owners of Grade II-listed Doxford House, in Sunderland, have applied for planning approval to turn the former drug rehabilitation centre back into a home.

The building has been empty for five years and targeted by vandals.

New GP for South Shields surgery

Patients will benefit from a new GP joining their local surgery.

For more than 30 years, Imeary Street Surgery in South Shields has had just one doctor.

But now Dr James Gordon has joined Dr Anji Curry, who took over running the surgery in 2010, in offering the first partnership in years.

Funding boost helps North Tyneside disabled youngsters

A charity is celebrating funding to help develop its range of activities offered for young disabled people.

Thanks to £9,653 from BBC Children in Need, YMCA North Tyneside will link up with Newcastle Eagles to develop a programme of basketball sessions. The money will go towards the recruitment of a sports co-ordinator, sessional coaches and to purchase specialist equipment.

YMCA North Tyneside has experience of inspiring young disabled people to participate in sport. It is one of seven offering the YMCA Onside project which works with Sport England to deliver an inclusive sports programme.

Don Irving, play and youth manager for YMCA North Tyneside, said: “We know that young people with disabilities and their families can struggle to find suitable opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity.”

The Northern Writers' Awards are still accepting applications

Applications are still being invited for the Northern Writers’ Awards.

New Writing North (NWN) will be sharing a £40,000 pot among writers who apply.

Emerging or established writers have until January 17 to apply for a series of awards, between £500 and £5,000 to help pave the way to publication. Claire Malcolm, chief executive of NWN, said: “The awards really can be a significant turning point for those who win them, leading to both financial reward but also, and more importantly, industry introductions and other opportunities.

Newcastle residents can get the health of their livers checked at a roadshow later this month

People can get their livers checked for free as a campaign to boost health rolls into town.

On January 15, the British Liver Trust will stage the second of its eight nationwide clinics in Morrisons superstore in Byker.

Of the 800 people who attended similar free clinics in 2012 and 2013, a quarter had signs of liver damage.

The launch of the roadshow comes as the trust calls for the Government to overhaul funding into liver disease, saying the move could save £600m and one million lives.

Andrew Langford from the trust said: “Having a dry January, although a good start, is not good enough if you then drink excessively for the rest of the year. To repair the liver and keep it healthy, people need to take at least two to three consecutive days off alcohol every week, and drink within the recommended limits at other times, affecting a permanent lifestyle change.”

12 artists from across the region will go head to head at the O2 Academy

It will be a battle of the bands as North East talent go head-to-head at Newcastle’s O2 Academy.

Back for 2013 the Soundwave Music Competition has rocketed in recent months with more than 1,000 groups and singers applying to compete in the contest.

On January 25 from 6pm at the city centre gig venue, the 12 finalists will go up against each other in front of judges and audience in the hope of being named winners of Soundwave. They’ll get to strut their stuff on the same stage as chart favourites such as Bastille and Rizzle Kicks.

Jamie Devine, event organiser, said: “The contest, which is the biggest music competition of its kind in Northern England, offers aspiring artists the chance to further their careers and gain valuable performing experience.”

New health campaign is launched

A new campaign is being launched today to encourage families in the North East to cut sugar and fat from their daily diet.

Launched by Public Health England, Change4Life’s Smart Swaps TV advertising will focus on changing sugary drinks to diet, sugar-free or milk. An average family could save almost a bag of sugar in four weeks.

Firms hope for growth in 2014

North East firms are primed to spearhead a resurgent regional economy in 2014, according to the region’s largest business organisation.

The North East Chamber of Commerce today publishes its 2014 Manifesto, in which it sets key lobbying priorities to empower business, stimulate growth, create jobs and help the North East become an international gateway for industry.

The chamber has pledged to continue championing the location as a place to live, work and invest and is calling on the Government to back regional business ambition to drive the economy forward. The Manifesto aims to build on the lobbying successes of 2013 and will focus on a number of key priorities.

Under the heading of championing North East business, NECC has promised to address the regional impact of the Scottish independence referendum and support Local Enterprise Partnerships.

Expert urges dieters to ditch the fad diets

A weight loss expert is urging New Year dieters to ditch the fad diets and change their eating habits.

Many people resolve to lose the flab, but Lisa Watts, who launched her own weight loss group in Coxhoe, Durham, exactly a year ago, says most people fail because they choose fad diets over sensible eating plans.

Lisa, who lost five stone before deciding to set up her own group, said: “Lots of people start January with the best of intentions but by the end of the month so many of them have given up, defeated by hunger, boredom or feelings of deprivation. I want people to know that losing weight doesn’t have to be that way.”

To join the Coxhoe Slimming World group, held every Monday at 5pm and 7pm at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Coxhoe, call Lisa on 07974 821 536, or visit www.slimmingworld.com for information.